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Why Does Citizenship Matter?
Discrimination towards Muslims is at a record high. In research that was conducted in early 2016, we discovered that 1 in 2 Muslim-American children felt conflicted about being both Muslim and American

children felt conflicted about being both Muslim and American.

Hajj dates back to the beginning of time, going all the way back to the very first construction of the Kaaba, completed by Prophet Adam (AS). Much later in time, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his dear son Ismail (AS) were tasked by Allah with the rebuilding of the Kaaba. The two worked together to build the house that would stand the test of time through centuries, and prove to be the most renowned symbol of obedience to Allah on this planet!

It’s no secret that many of the rituals of Hajj are rooted in actual occurrences from the life of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his family. From performing Sa’ee (running between the hills of Safa and Marwa) to the sacrificing of a goat upon completion of the pilgrimage, these rituals performed during Hajj have the utmost historical significance.When it comes to the Sa’ee, it is rooted in the story of when Prophet Ibrahim (AS) brought Hajar and their son Ismail (AS) to Makkah. Although the city was still barren at the time, Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) left them with some dates and a small water-skin containing water, and set out homeward.

Anybody who has had the privilege of making the pilgrimage of Hajj knows that the constant underlying theme of one's time there is sacrifice for the sake of God. It is a tenant we know has been closely linked to Hajj going all the way back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), and the spirit of which continues through today. Knowing this is a journey our children likely won’t make for at least the next several years, how do we make the spirit of Hajj, namely sacrifice, relevant to them?

While Muslims were celebrating the final days of Ramadan and Eid, two unarmed black men – Philando Castile and Alton Sterling – were shot and killed by police officers in separate events in Minneapolis and Baton Rouge. These recent events underscore a disheartening trend: young black men in America are nine times more likely to be killed by police officers than any other demographic.

As this holy month comes into its final days, I would like to share my thoughts and offer a perspective that I believe is not common in our Muslim communities, at least not openly. It has taken me 26 days to organize my thoughts and gather the courage to write this post and make it public. InshAllah, I pray for your patience and understanding, but mostly I pray that my meaning is fully understood and not misinterpreted or judged too harshly.